CHONGWE RIVER SUITES – LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Perched right on the river bank the two Chongwe Suites are named after indigenous plants growing in the area – the Cassia and Albida Suites are nestled under ancient towering winterthorn trees at the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers.

The one-bedroom Cassia Suite is a private suite for two which is perfect for honeymooners and couples. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Albida Suite sleeps four guests and is great for families wanting their own space or friends travelling together. Both have ensuite open air bathrooms with a clawfoot bath, a canopied lounge and dining area, a pool overlooking the river, a fire pit and a dedicated butler.

Dine privately in your suite or in the main camp lounge on the riverbank, enjoying cuisine that incorporates local seasonal ingredients. Wake up to birdsong as the sun rises over the Zambezi River reflecting the colours all around you. Listen to playful vervet monkeys scampering in the canopy as you watch elephants feed on the seed pods dropped from a nearby tree.

Lower Zambezi National Park is known for the variety of activities on offer including game drives, walking safaris, canoeing safaris, boat cruises and tiger fishing. The Albida Suite includes privately-guided activities.

LOCATION

Chongwe Suites are located in the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. Access is by flight from Lusaka to Royale Airstrip and a 15 minute game drive to camp or Jeki Airstrip and a one hour boat trip and a 20 minute road transfer to camp.

SUITES

The Casia Suite is an elegant, one bedroomed suite with an ensuite bathroom and the Aldiba Suite has two bedrooms and two ensuite bathrooms and both have claw footed baths.

The suites have luxurious open dining areas and lounges with comfy sofas, coffee tables and rugs, tented roofs and enclosed by small walls. Both have stunning views of the river from the bedrooms and the living areas and both have small plunge pools with river views.

Power is by generator and there charging facilities in each room. Please note that there is limited WIFI in the main area and no phone signal.

The Albida Suite offers private activities and the Cassia Suite has shared activities.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Chongwe offers a very varies selection of activities and is a brilliant destination for adventurous and active travellers. Nestled between a mountain escarpment to the north and the Zambezi River to the south – the Lower Zambezi Valley boasts a large variety of activities and has stunning scenery, peaceful riverside woodlands and abundant wildlife.

Breathe in the earthy scent of the riverbank as you slip past wading elephants in your canoe. Get your hands on a glittering tiger fish before releasing it back to the water. Drift off to sleep with the sound of grunting hippos and whooping hyenas and wake up to birdsong as the sunrise reflects off the Zambezi and plays in the trees.

Lower Zambezi is at its most magical from April to November when the river is perfect for boating safari and when sightings of wild dogs, lions, leopards and other predators are at their peak.

There is the opportunity to enjoy incredible elephant sightings in and around camp and birdwatching is superb with over 370 species of birds to be found.

As the summer rains recede April is the best time to see wild dogs and a high bird diversity.

Boat cruises are excellent all year found on the Zambezi River – expect plenty of hippos, crocodiles, birds and elephants.

The peak walking safari season is from July to October and canoeing safaris are great all year. During the drier months of August to November wildlife congregates along the river

July to October is the peak season for Sleepout Under the Stars and fishing is good year around but peaks in October and November during the breeding season.

Walking Safaris – get out on foot and learn about the small things – seemingly irrelevant plants and animals which are often overlooked on a game drive.

You will walk accompanied by an armed scout and your safari guide will show you a secret world as he leads you slowly through the bush along ancient animal pathways, examining plants, trees and insects along the way.

Game Drives – game drives are in open 4X4 vehicles and are a superb way of getting to know the area around camp and seeing wildlife.

Night drives are an extension of your afternoon game drive, canoe or walking safari – as the sun begins to set and dusk falls you will set off to explore as the nocturnal animals start to emerge. The best chance of seeing genets, civets, elephant shrew, porcupine and the fierce honey-badger is after sunset and the large predators, with the exception of wild dog, are most active at night. Night-time birding can be very rewarding with nightjars, owls great and small, dikkop, bat hawk and coursers are all abundant.

Sleepout Under the Stars – This extraordinary experience is an adventurous addition to any safari, allowing you to reconnect with nature. You fall asleep under a canopy of a million twinkling stars listening to the sounds of the night-time bush. A cosy bedroll, bush loo and culinary team ensure that this experience is as comfortable as it is memorable, and your room is held back in camp should you wish to return.

Canoeing Safaris – one of the most leisurely ways to experience the sights and sounds of the Lower Zambezi valley is on a canoe safari. Canoes seat two guests and a guide in comfort with ample room for cameras and binoculars.

Canoeing offers you a completely different perspective as you glide gently along either the Zambezi and its beautiful channels or the Chongwe River, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the area and the variety of wildlife along the riverbanks. The safest routes are used, previous canoeing experience is not necessary, and lifejackets are provided. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy.

Boat cruises – a river safari offers both morning and afternoon opportunities to view game from the comfort of a luxury boat. Sit back and relax as your guide leisurely navigates the islands and main channels of the Zambezi. Cruise the river looking at game, birds and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Morning coffee or evening sundowners can be enjoyed from either the boat or from your own island in the middle of the Zambezi River.

Fishing – The Lower Zambezi is home to the tiger fish, nicknamed the water dog, whose sharp teeth are matched only by its fighting spirit and reputation as one of the world’s top game fish. At Chongwe River Suites you will have the chance to head out onto the river in search of the tiger fish operating a strict catch-and-release policy in order to preserve stocks. You can fish with both fly and popper. Alternatively, you can try your hand at bream fishing on the Chongwe river where a limited catch can be brought back to camp and served up with a delicious lemon butter sauce!

Fishing can be combined with game activities and all equipment is provided, with both conventional tackle and entry level fly rods available. We recommend serious fly fisherman should bring their own tackle.

Cultural Village Visit – the Chiawa Cultural Village was born of a partnership between conservation organizations (with Africa Wildlife Foundation as a key strategic partner), Lower Zambezi Lodges and the Goba people of Chiawa, championing a cultural tourism enterprise prototype that empowers local people to benefit directly from the tourism trade generated by the profusion of wildlife in the region. It is owned by the Chiawa community through the Tsika Development Company.

At the Chiawa Cultural Village you will enjoy a guided tour where you can learn about the lives of the Goba people, their traditions, trades, tools, edifices and arts including dance, song and handiwork of local craftspeople.

CHONGWE SUITES ARE CLOSED FROM THE 16TH NOVEMBER THROUGH TO THE 14TH APRIL EVERY YEAR

THE SUITES WELCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 7 YEARS AND OLDER. DO NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 12 YEARS AND OLDER CAN PARTICIPATE IN WALKING SAFARIS